ABSTRACT

The properties of cotton poplin dyed with direct, reactant fixable, and reactive dyes and then treated with a carboxylic acid crosslinking agent, 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA) were investigated. Treatments with BTCA, and for comparison, with DMDHEU (the most commonly used cotton crossing agent), were applied to the dyed cottons. Color strength, color difference, wash and light fastness, wrinkle resistance, formaldehyde release, breaking strength and tearing strength were among the properties determined. Also, some properties of fabric treated with DMDHEU and an additive, ethylenediaminetetra acetic acid (EDTA) or chitosan, were evaluated. This research was funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of International Cooperation and Development, Research and Scientific Exchanges Division. All of the experimental work was carried out at The Bombay Textile Research Association.